BELLEVUE, Wash. – (September 10, 2016) – Whole Foods Market, together with Manini’s, a pioneer in gluten free pastas, buns and rolls, and baking flours, is celebrating the launch of a new fresh Gluten Free Hamburger Bun and several new Gluten Free Baking Flours to be carried throughout Whole Foods Market’s stores in the Pacific Northwest.
Like all of Manini’s delicious fresh pastas, raviolis, bund and rolls, the Hamburger Buns combine Manini’s proprietary Ancient Grains flour mix with local farm fresh eggs to produce a taste and texture not found in other gluten free buns. The large 5” bun holds up perfectly to the juiciest burger with all the toppings, and can be found in the frozen breads section! In addition to Manini’s outstanding Multi-Purpose flour, Whole Foods will now carry their Old Fashioned Bread Flour as well as their Multi-Grain Flour. All three flours will be available in the baking aisle in both 1.5 pound and 5 pound white bags with the traditional yellow Manini’s label.
Whole Foods Market first introduced Manini’s products to their Pacific Northwest stores in 2011. In 2013, Whole Foods Market awarded Manini’s a Local Producer Loan for $80,000. Funds from this low-interest loan were used to start product testing and production of their Gluten Free Ravioli line in November, 2015. Manini’s products are now carried in more than 200 Whole Foods stores in six regions across the country.
“This launch is another big step in Manini’s expanding product lineup. Denise Breyley; Local Forager for WFM in the Northwest, and Whole Foods Market have been walking this journey with us every step of the way,” said Jerry Goldberg, CEO at Manini’s. “Our customers have long enjoyed our dinner rolls buns and other flours as a core part of their commitment to a healthy lifestyle, and we know our Gluten Free Hamburger Buns and outstanding flours will live up to their high expectations for quality and value”.
“I’m so thrilled to see this new product come to market. This is absolutely one of the best parts of my job,” said Breyley. “I love working with these local food businesses and seeing their passion and brilliant ideas come to life.”
Customers can sample the new Gluten Free Hamburger Buns, as well as baked goods made from the new flours at a special launch event at the Bellevue Whole Foods Market store on Saturday, September 10 from noon to 4 p.m. Manini’s will also have management and ownership at the event for any questions or education, and will raffle off several great prizes.
What began as a mother and father’s search for great-tasting and nutritious gluten free food for their celiac disease-diagnosed daughter is the foundation of Manini’s today. The Washington-based company now produces fresh pasta, baking flours, dinner rolls and buns from naturally gluten free, nutritious ancient grains. These time-tested recipes contain no rice, soy, beans, or casein, and are high in fiber and protein. Most importantly, Manini’s products benefit from the flavor, texture, and nutrition of Ancient Grains – grains that have not undergone the radical cross-breeding and transformations of more traditional cereal grains.
Manini’s other fresh products include 8 Gluten Free Pastas, 3 Raviolis, Dinner Rolls and Sandwich Buns. Manini’s makes its fresh pasta by hand in a temperature-controlled environment for maximum shelf life, and all its products are produced in certified Gluten Free facilities.
Background on the Local Producer Loan Program
Helping local producers flourish has been a goal at Whole Foods Market since the company’s inception. In addition to featuring local products in stores, Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program will provide up to $25 million in low-interest loans to local and independent food businesses. The program began in 2006 and has already granted more than $20 million in loans so far, including more than $2 million in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether it’s helping local partners purchase more animals, invest in new equipment or convert to organic production. Whole Foods Market is committed to helping these budding food businesses shine. And supporting local business means keeping money in the pockets of growers in the communities Whole Foods Market serves.
Loan recipients must meet Whole Foods Market’s quality standards, use the funds for expansion and have a viable business plan. Typical loans range from $1,000 to $100,000 and have fixed low-interest rates.
For more information about the Local Producer Loan Program, please visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mission-values/commitment-society/loan-program-details.
About Manini's
Manini’s is a world-class food company creating the delicious, fresh, gluten-free pastas, flours, breads and baked goods served by families and chefs everywhere. All products are made using only the highest quality Gluten Free ingredients and Ancient Grains. Manini's gluten-free offerings are nutritious, fiber-rich and provide a great-texture superior in taste and quality. Learn more at www.maninis.com.
About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company's motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, team member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s more than 86,000 team members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 18 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2015, the company had sales of more than $15.4 billion and currently has more than 455 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. For more company news and information, please visit media.wfm.com.